EC council

“Over the years, your business district has sprawled and lost purpose,” Mark Pelusio of Town Center Associates said at the beginning of a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance for the Ellwood City Borough. In brief, the proposed zoning would divide Ellwood’s core business district into four sub-districts with the intention of creating a pedestrian dominated area on Lawrence Avenue from Fourth to Eight Street consisting primarily of retail and dining establishments. Council worked on the new zoning with the aid of Town Center Associates [TCA], a consulting agency based in Beaver, and an urban development company, Environmental Planning…

Ellwood City zoning laws haven’t seen an update in many years. Folk singer Bob Dylan was penning his first songs when Ellwood borough councils were penning many of the zoning laws. There was even a sentence that referred to a car wash an an automobile laundry. Council is now in the final stages of approving a new zoning ordinance. Primarily, the downtown business area will be divided into four districts each with specialized encouraged use. Residential areas will not be affected nor will current businesses and residents in the business districts. Rather, each of the new districts will encourage the…

A question regarding a bill on the list of pre-paid vouchers led to an argument at Monday’s council meeting. Before voting on the list of pre-paid vouchers, council member Judi Dici asked if two telephone bills, both labeled to the same police officer and in the amount of $17.85, were accidental duplicates. Borough Manager Bob Villella responded that he would look into the matter. Later, council member Marilyn Mancini requested that a motion to adopt the Civil Service Rules and Regulations be tabled as she had received her copy on Friday. All members voted “yes” to postpone except George Celli….

The following is a brief summary of the Ellwood City Borough Council June meeting held on June 20. Announcements Parking on Lawrence Avenue will be closed from Fourth to Eighth Street beginning at 2 p.m. for hosing.* Borough Manager Bob Villella reminded residents to not sweep grass clippings into the storm catchings, as that clogs the system. There will be a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance on June 27 at 5 p.m. “The zoning won’t be perfect, but we’re taking calculated, proven steps in developing our downtown,” council member David DeCaria said. The borough clean-up day will be…

The following is a brief summary of the borough council meeting held on May 16: Awards/Recognition Nikol Damato, junior council member, was recognized for her year of service on council. Jozek, Ellwood’s K-9 who is retiring this month after nine years of service, was recognized by council, the Lawrence County Commissioners, State Police and Jarret Gibbon’s office. The K-9 officer, Sgt. Michael McBride, will now work with Jozek’s son, Ranger, who is already certified. Jozek will retire on the McBride Family Farms, after McBride purchased him from the borough for $1. Council President Connie MacDonald presented McBride with 10 dimes…

In a 5-2 decision, Ellwood City borough council voted to hire a full-time probationary patrol officer at its meeting on Monday. A candidate has not yet been selected and hiring is contingent upon successful completion of all background checks and certifications. The motion was initially proposed in March by council member Marilyn Mancini, supported by Judi Dici. The two convinced council to suspend a motion to advertise for part-time officers in favor of researching hiring a full-time officer. The motion was added to the agenda at the agenda meeting on April 11. Dici and Mancini both believe a full-time officer…